Football: Aussie taken down by horrific tackle

Robbie Kruse of the Socceroos receives treatment. Photo / Getty

Socceroo Robbie Kruse was left writhing on the ground in agony after a Jordanian opponent cut him down with an atrocious tackle in the second half of their World Cup qualifier in Sydney.

The pacy midfielder received the ball on the corner of the 18-yard box in the 65th minute and was heading towards the sideline when Yousef Ahmad left his feet and attacked Kruse's legs with a two-footed studs up tackle.

The referee issued him with a yellow card, but the Fox Sports commentators, not to mention the crowd and Kruse's teammates, were left seething the punishment wasn't more severe.

"It's just disgusting. That's what it is. Disgusting," said Andy Harper.

"That's an assault."

Think Simon Hill puts it best - horrid tackle. #AUSvJOR pic.twitter.com/huSzQo5jjo

— Daily Football Show (@dfs_global) March 29, 2016

"The referee's let them cook. He's let them cook all game.

"There's not a second where that was a contestable ball.

"If the referee can't see that he's not looking.

"That's a red card, not a yellow."

Simon Hill was equally as frank in his appraisal of the reckless challenge.
"That's a terrible challenge," he said.

"That's an assault.

"He's lucky it's only yellow because that was horrible."

Even Jordan's coach Harry Redknapp couldn't defend his player's actions

"Harry Redknapp is furious about that challenge on Robbie Kruse," said Fox Sports reporter Daniel Garb.

The 27-year-old eventually got back to his feet and received a stirring ovation from the home fans, but he was substituted soon after by Ange Postecoglou.

He spoke after the match and was confident no serious damage was done.

"You don't like to see that on the football field," said Kruse.

"It's disappointing, hopefully I come through OK.

"I'm just really thankful it looks good at the moment."

The Aussies were up 4-0 when the foul was committed, and the left-footer had played a starring role with three assists.

Tim Cahill opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a tap-in from a Kruse pass, and he netted a second - Australia's third - when he headed home another pinpoint Kruse cross. Aaron Mooy was excellent in the centre of midfield, calmly slotting one past the keeper in between Cahill's brace.

It was much of the same in the second stanza, with Tom Rogic picking up the scraps to put the ball in the back of the net before Massimo Luongo heaped more misery on the Jordanians to go up 5-0.

The visitors managed a consolation goal in the final minutes as the match finished at 5-1.

Cahill missed the chance for a hat-trick when he hit the keeper with a first-time strike from 12 yards out after receiving a pass from Nathan Burns on a breakaway.

The Socceroos sit atop Group B after eight matches in the Asian Confederation as they continue with their bid to book a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

This victory comes after a 7-0 demolition of Tajikistan in Adelaide last Thursday.

- news.com.au